Robins, L. I. . (2009). Teacher Research: Challenging Our Assumptions. The Science Teacher, 76(6), 35-40.
This article, in the September issue of the science teacher, takes a look at the impact that professional learning communities and teacher research has on student success. It takes a particular example of how teacher research was successful in determining limitations to students understanding of the gas laws. Initially, teachers thought that mathematical understanding was creating an issue for the students. After taking the time to investigate with the professional learning community, college students and experts, the teachers were able to determine that it was not the math that was causing an issue, but rather their lack of comprehension of units and variables.
The article demonstrated that if the prior knowledge isn't there, even a well designed lesson can be unsuccessful. It also is a good example of how professional learning communities can foster collaboration and increase teacher effectiveness. Teachers have an enormous task placed in front of them, one that doesn't necessarily have to be done alone. This article was a good example of the pros of collaboration and professional learning communities. I would recommend it to any teacher who wanted to investigate their teaching style or effectiveness of lesson plans.
This article, in the September issue of the science teacher, takes a look at the impact that professional learning communities and teacher research has on student success. It takes a particular example of how teacher research was successful in determining limitations to students understanding of the gas laws. Initially, teachers thought that mathematical understanding was creating an issue for the students. After taking the time to investigate with the professional learning community, college students and experts, the teachers were able to determine that it was not the math that was causing an issue, but rather their lack of comprehension of units and variables.
The article demonstrated that if the prior knowledge isn't there, even a well designed lesson can be unsuccessful. It also is a good example of how professional learning communities can foster collaboration and increase teacher effectiveness. Teachers have an enormous task placed in front of them, one that doesn't necessarily have to be done alone. This article was a good example of the pros of collaboration and professional learning communities. I would recommend it to any teacher who wanted to investigate their teaching style or effectiveness of lesson plans.